San Martin de los Andes Ski Shops

The Austria Ski Ranch is a new behemoth ski and bike shop in Av San Martin. In addition to a rental area, this snappy shop has a huge retail section for both skiers and snowboarders. Austria Ski Ranch sells a decent range of snowboards, Salomon and Atomic skis, boots, and other hardwear. The shop also stocks a big range of outerwear (from brands such as Columbia, Ansilta, Burton and Salomon), helmets, gloves and other accessories. The only downside is that the staff may scold you for taking your handbag upstairs rather than undergoing the inconvenience of putting it in a locker.

At the other end of the spectrum is the small ski shop of Spirit Patagonia. They put their best gear in the window, and once you enter the shop, you may be somewhat disappointed.

A much bigger range of ski and snowboard gear can be found at the Aquaterra Shop if you can cope with the messiness of the shop; there’s crap everywhere! This shop sells a big range of snowboards and skis - mainly slalom skis but a few fat planks as well. This ski shop has lots of helmets and accessories and a huge range of outerwear (although I didn’t recognise any of the brands).

San Martin de los Andes also has a few outdoor shops such as Rip Curl and Scandinavian where you can buy clothing and a few accessories for skiing or snowboarding.

If you’re looking for backcountry gear, you may be hard pressed to find it in San Martin de los Andes.

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San Martin Ski Rental and Snowboard Hire

Cerro Chapelco has ski rental and snowboard hire available on-mountain, but the other option is to rent your equipment in town. There are various San Martin ski rental and snowboard rental shops, so prices are pretty competitive. The ski shops are often very busy, so you may want to allow plenty of time to rent your gear.

If you’re looking to rent a pair of fat skis to cope with the heavy powder at Chapelco, or a touring set-up, you may have to scratch around.

[AdListings collection="Argentina" category="San Martin" subcategory="Rentals"]

Souvenir Shopping

San Martin de los Andes has a whole raft of interesting speciality shops if you’re looking for a gift or souvenir. Keep in mind that some of the shops close in the afternoon for siesta.

Lots of shops have Mapuche handicrafts as well as leather goods. San Martin also has a shop selling Swiss knives. OK we believe it that the town has Swiss origins!

San Martin also has many shops selling local produce such as pickles, wine, jams, and smoked products. I’m not sure if you’ll get some of that food through customs, but instead of buying someone a gift, you can just eat it yourself before you leave!

Chocolate Shops

Chocolate gifts may also not find their way home. Start tasting some of the chocolate and you’ll become addicted.

Like other Lakes District towns, San Martin de los Andes has a variety of chocolate shops to tempt the tourists. Some of the shops import their chocolate from Buenos Aires, whilst others such as the very busy Mamuschka make the chocolate locally (and it tastes yum!).

Grocery Shopping

With about six grocery stores in town, you’ll have no difficulty finding groceries or alcohol.